Chemotherapy is a difficult treatment to endure both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies available to help provide relief during this trying time. Essential oils, in particular, can provide a range of benefits such as reducing anxiety, boosting energy, and relieving pain and nausea. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective essential oils to use during chemotherapy, including their benefits and how to use them. We will also discuss safety tips to keep in mind when using essential oils. With the right knowledge and preparation, essential oils can be a powerful tool for managing the side effects of chemotherapy.
How can essential oils be used to complement chemotherapy treatments?
Essential oils can be used to help relieve some of the common side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments. Oils such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus can be used to help reduce nausea, reduce pain, and aid in relaxation. Aromatherapy, using a diffuser, is one method for using essential oils. In addition, some oils can be applied topically as part of a massage therapy regimen.
Are there any side effects associated with using essential oils for chemotherapy relief?
Yes, there are some potential side effects associated with using essential oils for chemotherapy relief. These include skin irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathing problems. It is important to consult with a medical professional before using essential oils for chemotherapy relief, as they can interact with other medications or treatments.
What essential oils have been shown to provide relief from chemotherapy side effects?
Essential oils that have been shown to provide relief from chemotherapy side effects include lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and ginger. Studies have shown that these essential oils can help reduce nausea, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety. Other essential oils that may provide relief from chemotherapy side effects include eucalyptus, rosemary, clary sage, and bergamot.
Does the type of oil used for chemotherapy relief affect the efficacy of the treatment?
The type of oil used for chemotherapy relief can definitely affect the efficacy of the treatment, especially if the oil is an essential oil. Essential oils can provide relief from the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before using any essential oil for chemotherapy relief, as some oils may interfere with the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs.
Is there any evidence that suggests essential oils can reduce the severity of chemotherapy symptoms?
Yes, there is evidence that suggests essential oils can reduce the severity of chemotherapy symptoms. Studies have found that certain essential oils can reduce nausea and vomiting, decrease fatigue, and improve overall quality of life for chemotherapy patients. Additionally, inhaling certain essential oils may reduce stress and anxiety, both common symptoms of chemotherapy. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before using essential oils to ensure they are safe and effective for the individual.
What is best to drink during chemo?
Essential oils may provide some relief during chemotherapy, but they should not be used in place of medical care. Some essential oils, such as lavender, lemon balm, and chamomile, may help to reduce stress and anxiety. Other oils, such as ginger, peppermint, and eucalyptus, may help to reduce nausea and vomiting. However, it is best to speak to a doctor before using any essential oils during chemotherapy. The best thing to drink during chemotherapy is usually water or clear fluids, such as low-sugar sports drinks or clear broth.
What foods to avoid if you have low white blood cells?
Essential oils are not recommended for chemotherapy relief, as they have not been clinically tested or proven to be effective. It is best to avoid any food that can cause an allergic reaction or trigger an immune reaction, as this can further decrease white blood cell count. In addition, foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and processed ingredients should be avoided as well.
How do you fight chemo fatigue?
Essential oils can help to fight chemo fatigue by providing a natural and holistic approach to relieving cancer fatigue. Studies have shown that essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and peppermint can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Additionally, these oils can help to improve quality of sleep, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. When used correctly, essential oils can provide a safe and natural way to fight chemo fatigue.
Does heat help chemo pain?
Essential oils can be beneficial in providing relief from the pain associated with chemotherapy. However, heat is not considered a viable treatment for this type of pain. Instead, it is best to use essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, ginger, chamomile, eucalyptus, or rosemary to help reduce the pain. These oils can be used topically or aromatically, or the patient can take them orally.
How many rounds of chemo does it take to see results?
Essential oils are not a replacement for chemotherapy, and they do not impact the number of rounds of chemotherapy needed to see results. However, they are a popular complementary therapy to chemotherapy, as they can help reduce side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain.
Is coffee good for chemo patients?
Essential oils can be helpful in providing relief from the side effects of chemotherapy. They can be used in a diffuser or applied directly to the skin. While coffee is not recommended for chemotherapy patients due to its stimulating effects, essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and frankincense can provide calming and soothing effects.
What are the home remedies for chemotherapy?
Essential oils may offer relief from some of the symptoms associated with chemotherapy. Lavender oil can help with fatigue, nausea, and restlessness. Bergamot oil has been used to reduce stress and improve sleep. Chamomile oil can help ease anxiety and depression while also helping to reduce inflammation. Rosemary oil can help relieve nausea and vomiting. Peppermint oil has been used to reduce headaches and other forms of pain. Finally, frankincense oil has been used to help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
What foods increase white blood cells during chemo?
Essential oils can help to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue and nausea, but they have not been shown to increase white blood cell count. Foods that may increase white blood cells during chemo include garlic, mushrooms, cruciferous vegetables, and citrus fruits. These foods are rich in antioxidants and are known to stimulate the production of white blood cells.
Is pain during chemo normal?
Essential oils are not typically used to treat pain caused by chemotherapy. However, essential oils have been used to help reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for those undergoing chemotherapy. Some essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile and peppermint, may be beneficial during chemotherapy treatments. It is important to consult a doctor before using essential oils.
What blood count is too low for chemo?
Essential oils can provide some relief from chemotherapy side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. However, they are not a substitute for chemotherapy, and it is important to have regular blood tests to monitor your blood count. A blood count that is too low for chemotherapy would likely be below 8.0 g/dL for hemoglobin and 3.5 x 10⁹/L for platelets.
Do chemo side effects get worse with each treatment?
Essential oils are not a substitute for chemotherapy, but they can be used to help reduce side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, and anxiety. However, essential oils cannot be used to treat any worsening of side effects from chemotherapy treatments. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any worsening of side effects from chemotherapy treatments.
How long does it take white blood cells to regenerate after chemo?
Essential oils can help provide relief from the side effects of chemotherapy, but they cannot replace the need for white blood cells to regenerate after chemo. It typically takes 3-4 weeks for white blood cell counts to return to normal levels.
Is vitamin D OK during chemo?
Essential oils can provide relief from the side effects of chemotherapy, but they are not a substitute for medical advice. Vitamin D is an important nutrient and can be beneficial for cancer patients, but it is best to consult with your physician about whether it is safe to take during chemotherapy.
Is 2nd round of chemo worse?
Essential oils can be used to help provide some relief during chemotherapy. Certain essential oils, such as lavender, frankincense, and ginger, can help to reduce stress and anxiety, reduce nausea and vomiting, and provide a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Although essential oils cannot make the second round of chemotherapy easier, they can help to make it more bearable.
Is it normal to have aches and pains after chemo?
Yes, it is normal to have aches and pains after chemotherapy. Essential oils can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation. Some essential oils that may be beneficial for chemotherapy relief are lavender, chamomile and marjoram. Additionally, diluted essential oils can be applied directly to the skin or used in a diffuser to help relieve aches and pains.
How long is chemo pain?
Essential oils can help to relieve pain associated with chemotherapy. Some oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus, have known pain-relieving properties and can be used as massage oils or applied topically. They can also be used in aromatherapy to help reduce stress and anxiety associated with chemotherapy. The pain relief associated with essential oils may last up to several hours.
How many hours is a round of chemo?
Essential oils have been used to help alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy in some cases. However, the amount of time one must use essential oils for relief varies from person to person. Generally, it is recommended that those undergoing chemotherapy use essential oils for a period of 15-20 minutes, up to 2-3 times a day.
What are the best vitamins to take during chemotherapy?
Essential oils can be a great supplement to chemotherapy treatments to help relieve symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and pain. Lavender oil and ginger oil are particularly helpful for relieving nausea, while chamomile oil and frankincense oil can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Peppermint oil is also known to be beneficial for nausea, as well as fatigue.
Is it OK to take vitamin D during chemotherapy?
No, it is not recommended to take vitamin D during chemotherapy as it can interfere with the efficacy of the chemotherapy medications. Instead, some research suggests that using essential oils for chemotherapy relief may be beneficial. Essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and chamomile are known for their calming, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as provide some relief from the side effects of chemotherapy.
What makes chemo painful?
Essential oils may be used to provide relief from some of the side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain. Some of the most popular essential oils for chemotherapy relief are lavender, ginger, peppermint, eucalyptus, and chamomile. These essential oils can be used to reduce pain, provide relaxation, and improve overall well-being. Inhaling the essential oils or applying them to the skin can help to reduce pain, nausea, and fatigue, while also helping to improve mood and energy levels.
Does B12 help chemo patients?
Essential oils are not known to help chemotherapy patients directly, however they have been used to help reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue which are common side effects of chemotherapy. B12 is an essential vitamin that helps to replenish the body’s energy levels and can be beneficial for chemotherapy patients.
What drink increases red blood cells?
Essential oils are not a recommended approach for increasing red blood cells, as chemotherapy treatment is a serious medical intervention. The best approach for increasing red blood cells during chemotherapy is to talk to your doctor about other potential treatments and medications, such as iron supplements, erythropoietin, and other drugs.
Research suggests that as many as 60 percent of people being treated for cancer use complementary therapies to supplement their care, notes Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. One complementary therapy that has become increasingly popular is essential oils. Most of the research on oils points to their role as a supportive therapy in cancer care for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and insomnia , per a paper published SeptemberOctober by the Associate of Community Cancer Centers. Sometimes, particularly in hospitals specifically focused on cancer care, experts in integrative medicine, such as aromatherapists, will be available to help you select the oils that you might want to try. If not, you can consult an aromatherapist on your own to help you understand how different oils should be used, notes Cancer Research UK. While essential oils may offer some benefits for people with cancer , there are many factors to consider before giving them a try. Essential oils are concentrated extracts of flowers, roots, leaves, stems, seeds, resin, bark, or fruit rinds. There are more than essential oils available, and they can be purchased at most health food stores. To date, there are no scientific studies showing that aromatherapy can cure or prevent cancer. Most of the research showing promising results has been done in vitro, meaning that the essential oil was found to affect cancer cells in a petri dish. For example, results of a study published in October in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine suggested that breast cancer cells may stop growing and die off when exposed to frankincense oil. In a paper published in in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine , scientists looked at the role of essential oils in various laboratory studies. Most of the human studies on essential oils for cancer focus on helping improve quality of life, anxiety, symptoms, and side effects of treatment. Kiefer says. In a randomized controlled trial published in the journal Palliative Medicine , researchers compared the effects of standard massage and aromatherapy massage in cancer patients. Those who received the aromatherapy massage with a Roman chamomile essential oil reported a statistically significant reduction in anxiety and an improvement in symptoms. A study published in June in Complementary Therapies in Medicine , examined the effects of inhaled ginger essential oil in women with breast cancer who experienced chemo-induced nausea and vomiting. Results showed the aromatherapy did not result in a statistically significant reduction in nausea and vomiting. In another trial, published in Palliative Medicine , cancer patients who completed six aromatherapy sessions reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression. Still, other studies have shown no benefits of aromatherapy. More research is needed to determine just how effective this approach is for helping people with cancer cope with the symptoms they experience. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so you should always dilute them before rubbing them on your skin. The bottom line is more research needs to be done to find out if essential oils are a legitimate treatment option for cancer and its symptoms. Generally, the oils pose few risks when used properly. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Conditions A-Z. Health Tools. By Julie Lynn Marks. Reviewed October 21,
This cancer information summary provides an overview of the use of aromatherapy with essential oils primarily to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. This summary includes a brief history of aromatherapy, a review of laboratory studies and clinical trials , and possible adverse effects associated with aromatherapy use. Many of the medical and scientific terms used in the summary are hypertext linked at first use in each section to the NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms , which is oriented toward nonexperts. When a linked term is clicked, a definition will appear in a separate window. Reference citations in some PDQ cancer information summaries may include links to external websites that are operated by individuals or organizations for the purpose of marketing or advocating the use of specific treatments or products. These reference citations are included for informational purposes only. Their inclusion should not be viewed as an endorsement of the content of the websites, or of any treatment or product, by the PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board or the National Cancer Institute. Aromatherapy is a derivative of herbal medicine , which is itself a subset of the biological or nature-based complementary and alternative medicine CAM therapies. Aromatherapy has been defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants for the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.